Slidell I-59 (Pearl River) Rest Area & Visitor's Center

Truckers enter at guard shack on Old Military Rd. Guard will not let you on site until 1 hour before appointment. Nearest Mom & Pop store/truckstop in Pearl River only has room for about 15-20 trucks and fills up early. LA roadside rest nearby only has room for 3-4 trucks. Site doesn't allow parking. Plan accordingly. Was in at 10:50 for appt at 11. Was out at 4 and only had 4 pallets. Slide tandems, plenty of room to back. Truckers restroom near door 62 which is also near receiving/lumpers.

As far as Welcome Centers go, this was okay. I'm not sure what improvements were made that kept them closed so long; maybe it was mechanical, behind the scenes stuff? Rest rooms while dated were within acceptable norms, parking was adequate and, landscaping was well maintained. (Admittedly, I still think the Louisiana Welcome Center on eastbound I-10 - entering from Texas - is more representative of the state as a whole vs. so much focus on New Orleans and, far more attractive.)

The two standout qualities of this location were the pet area - very large and secluded and, the staff inside the center. She asked for my zip code and upon hearing it she very cheerfully and sincerely said, "Welcome home!"

Nice and quiet. Just a quick cat nap on the road

Very good place to stop by to take a break, if you running west, stay here till the traffic die before go again, 👍👍👍